Fenniarail | Reliable Partner in Rolling Stock Maintenance

About the Customer

Fenniarail Oy is one of the few private railway companies in Finland. The company transports industrial raw materials and products across the Finnish rail network, aiming to increase its market share while maintaining the advantages of a small company: flexibility, customer focus, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Fenniarail’s fleet includes six Dr18 diesel locomotives and new Sr3 electric locomotives, acquired to meet growing demand. Saalasti Rails is the reliable partner in Fenniarail Rolling stock maintenance.

Initial Situation and Needs

Fenniarail outsources the maintenance and upkeep of its rolling stock to external partners. Without its own installation team, the company relies on a maintenance partner who is skilled, flexible, and quickly available to keep the fleet running and deliveries on schedule. Reliability and safety are at the core of Fenniarail’s operations – the company is proud to have had zero cancelled transports in the past two years.

Collaboration and Solution

Saalasti Rails is Fenniarail’s strategic partner for rolling stock maintenance. The cooperation is close and daily, covering both scheduled maintenance and rapid repairs in case of unexpected issues. Saalasti Rails’ flexibility, quick response time, and willingness to learn the specific features of Fenniarail’s fleet have been decisive factors in the partnership. A particularly important development project is the planned joint depot in Kouvola, which will bring maintenance services closer to operations and further strengthen the partnership.

Read more about Saalasti Rails services.

Results and Benefits

• Zero cancelled runs in two years, despite occasional manufacturing defects in the fleet.
• Rapid response to critical situations: for example, a major engine failure was resolved through close cooperation and deep expertise.
• Flexibility and proactive planning have enabled optimal scheduling of maintenance, ensuring fleet availability even during peak periods.
  Fenniarail’s staff and drivers have experienced excellent reliability, and the partnership has brought peace of mind to daily operations.

Reliability and Expertise

Fenniarail especially values Saalasti Rails’ agility, expertise, and genuine willingness to help:

“The values important to us – flexibility, agility, and reliability – have been realized. We have been able to trust that our fleet keeps moving.”
— Lauri Helke, CEO, Fenniarail

Looking Ahead

Fenniarail expects maintenance needs to grow as the fleet expands and wagons become part of maintenance operations. The existing diesel locomotives have a long service life ahead, and upcoming wagon investments will increase maintenance work. Strategic partnership with Saalasti Rails ensures efficient and safe operation of the fleet.

Punctuality as a Shared Achievement

Fenniarail’s industry-leading punctuality is also a result of our successful partnership. The company has introduced monthly punctuality reporting, further highlighting the importance of reliable maintenance.
Read more about Fenniarail’s punctuality

Greetings to Other Industry Players

Fenniarail recommends Saalasti Rails as a maintenance partner:

“We are grateful that there is a company in Finland with whom we can solve rolling stock issues together.”
— Lauri Helke, CEO, Fenniarail

Interested in Saalasti Rails Services? Contact us